Rec And Park Responds, Puts Responsibilty On Zoo!

I got an email from The Rec and Park.  They are responding to an inquiry made by District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan.  Supervisor Chan is the City Official I previously referred to in Monday's post.

Let me start by saying, if anyone from the Zoo is reading this, and there is the possibility I am mistaken on anything, please use the comment form to let me know.  Comments are manually published, so will not be public.  Only I will see them. ... That said, this paragraph is basically on the slight chance of such, because the situation is seemingly very clear, and I don't enter into such battles without feeling secure in my knowledge.

So, apparently the Rec and Park are taking the position that they are not responsible for the Bison Paddock.  Very curious, as it is long known the agreement is the Rec and Park are responsible for the enclosure.  Additionally, I spoke with a gardener two weeks ago who acknowledged that, and told me the sprinklers are on a timer.  

This infuriates me.  The Rec and Park controls the sprinklers, and they are trying to say the dried landscape is on the Zoo?!!  What, are the Keepers supposed to go spit on the ground to hydrate it?  I can't even with this crap.

I will make this notation here.  Today I had a thought about that day I had the above mentioned conversation with the gardener, and there were five sprinklers on in the back meadow.  I noted this in a previous post with a photo.  ... The back meadow is in desperate need of green as well, as the Bison are rotated there.  That said, why have those sprinklers not been on daily to reinvigorate that dried vegetation?

Back to the correspondence.  Here is the email I got from the Rec and Park.  It was also sent to Supervisor Chan.

And my response...

And the attached screencap mentioned in my reply...

I'm sorry but am I missing something?  I certainly can read english and fancy myself able to understand words as written.

The Rec and Parks words are,...

The Bison herd is cared for by staff from the San Francisco Zoo, while the Recreation and Parks Department gardeners maintain the enclosure.  

> So, what the heck is the Rec and Park trying to pull? <

View original post regarding this issue...

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2022/06/petition-to-rec-and-park-city-of-san.html

Park Sprinklers Flood Path - Not A Drop For The Bison - Fans Speak Out!

I monitored the Bison Cam all day yesterday, and didn't see sprinklers.   Today I've done the same, in addition to going by twice.  No Water for the Bison Paddock?  YET there was a row of nine sprinklers on Chain of Lakes between MLK and the Horse Corral.  Grass there is sure a hell of a lot greener than in the Bison and Rec/Park kept them on to the point where they were flooding the path and into the street.  This is the main point of this post.  

This is the kind of shit that pisses me off.   

I do want to reiterate that this is a supplemental vegetation issue, that is the responsibility of the SF Rec and Park.  The Rec and Park are required to maintain the enclosure, which means keeping the vegetation healthy.  The Rec and Park control the sprinkler system.  This is solely on them. ... The Bison are healthy and well taken care of by SFZoo Animal Care Staff.  They are fed daily and given extra food to compensate for what they are not getting from grazing.  They are not going hungry.  That said, they do need that green vegetation, not only for extra intake and but because grazing is part of their natural behavior.   It's what they do and that needs to be replicated in a captive environment.

The Sprinklers in the Bison need to be on everyday till there is green in that whole meadow.  I noted previously that a gardener told me the sprinklers were on a timer.  I don't care what time they go on, my question is What day, week or month can the Bison Paddock expect some attention to this situation?  The Rec/Park need to be transparent with the sprinkler schedule.

I have not heard back from anyone in the Rec and Park system.  I contacted a few other City Officials and asked, What can you do to help the Bison?  .... I'm waiting.

When I think about the Park Commission, I think about the Joint Zoo Committee Meetings I used to go to.  There are three Commissioners on that panel.  One time that has forever stuck in my mind is when I saw Zoo Director Tanya Peterson, and a Commissioner, literally patting each-other on the back.  If Tanya is so buddy buddy with the Rec and Park, I sure hope she is trying to remedy this vegetation situation.

The Petition is gaining some momentum.  If you haven't signed yet, please do!   Public outcry, speaks volumes.  Remember you can sign "name withheld".   

https://www.thepetitionsite.com/361/945/132/demand-san-francisco-rec-and-park-provide-bison-with-healthy-grazing-vegetation

Here are some Fans of our Beautiful Bison Ladies being a Voice for them!  Thank you to all who have signed.

Related Posts...

Sun 6.26.22

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2022/06/petition-to-rec-and-park-city-of-san.html

Mon 6.27.22

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2022/06/update-city-official-contacted-me.html

Respect Wildlife In Their Home - Park Related Public Awareness Post

This really wasn't meant to be a post, it was a comment I made on NextDoor in relation to a post this morning about Coyote aggression.   

After posting there, I thought in the effort of awareness for the sake of all Animals, I'd make a post here.  This is a Human/Animal conflict issue.  Unfortunately, there are reasons these kinds of interactions will continue, but the more awareness that is put forth, might bring some sense to those who need some.  

This is an issue anywhere there are wild places, not just in San Francisco.  It is also not limited to our Parks, but our Beaches, and anywhere else Wildlife decides to make their home.  

During the short time I've been on NextDoor I have read many Coyote tales.  The last one, just a bit ago, told of aggression aimed at a woman and her leashed Dog, who were chased by three Coyotes.   While that particular encounter was noted as possibly being near a den and the aggression was a protection run off, there is something else to note and Dog owners should heed.  

I have witnessed an endless stream of self-entitled Dog owners who find it entertaining to let their Dogs (both off leash and long leash) harass and terrorize Wildlife.  No Being wants to be chased. Ducks, Squirrels, Raccoons, Shore Birds, and yes, including Pigeons and Gulls.  It's all bullying.  Even letting your Dog sit and wait to pounce on a Gopher when it peeks out of it's home, is harassment.  The most horrifying after effect I've seen was one Duck who didn't escape and sadly ended up with a puncture wound on it's back the size of a quarter.  Not only is this mentally sick, especially coming from an assumed Animal person, but any such behavior, harassing, terrorizing, ect. by Human or their Pet, toward any Wildlife, is a violation of the Park Code.   

If anyone witnesses such behavior, by a Dog or Human, Please call the Park Patrol/Rangers and report the offenders.

That all said, in regards to the Coyote reports, I have to wonder if there are acts of aggression coming from Coyote's in a non-den protecting action, as a result of Off leash Dogs chasing them?  

People need to respect Wildlife.  Whether or not you think they have rights, our wild places are their home.  If you can't respect that, then you should stay in your own home. 

Additionally, there is one thing that I'm always reminded of when I read Coyote tales.  Either with the storyteller or the comment makers, there is always those who will say the Coyotes need to be relocated, or something done.   About fifteen years ago, when I started spending more time in the Park, almost daily, I'd hear reports of sightings.  When a beloved Muscovy Duck at Stow Lake was killed by a Coyote,  I entered into a conversation with a Gardener I knew.  At the time, he estimated there were less than a dozen, but possibly up to twenty, Coyotes in the Park.  

I emailed Eric Anderson, who I thought was Park Manager (at the time) but is currently listed as Park Superintendent. I questioned whether there was a population control plan.  He forwarded my question to another department.  So long ago, but I think it was to those who dealt with Wildlife.  I asked about population control and noted that there may be only twenty now, but what happens in the years to come?  There could be 200, living in a confined space of an urban park.  Whether or not a valid option,  I questioned birth control, either by capture, or possibly in food left in den areas?  At sometime not long after, I wondered if something like a TNR (Trap, Neuter/Spray, Return) program would have been doable. Better than something that needed annual updating.  Either way, it would have had to happen when population was just starting to grow.  The reply I got was, There is no plan.  The Rec and Park's position was to let live and flourish, and we have to coexist.  I'm all for coexisting, but I'm empathetic and responsible, what do we do with the growing population of self-entitled Humans?

Update - City Official Contacted Me Regarding Bison Issue

I was contacted this morning by the Staff of a City Official who I sent yesterday's blog post to.  

They wrote...

In my Thank you I wrote...

I think my blog and Petition wording is very clear, but just in case, I wanted to be very clear that I am pointing out the failure of the Rec and Park in regards to the Bison, not the SFZoo Staff.

Added:

I do want to reiterate that this is a supplemental vegetation issue, that is the responsibility of the SF Rec and Park.  The Rec and Park are required to maintain the enclosure, which means keeping the vegetation healthy.  The Rec and Park control the sprinkler system.  This is solely on them. ... The Bison are healthy and well taken care of by SFZoo Animal Care Staff.  They are fed daily and given extra food to compensate for what they are not getting from grazing.  They are not going hungry.  That said, they do need that green vegetation, not only for extra intake and but because grazing is part of their natural behavior.   It's what they do and that needs to be replicated in a captive environment.

Related posts...

Sun 6.26.22

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2022/06/petition-to-rec-and-park-city-of-san.html

Wed 6.29.22

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2022/06/park-sprinklers-flood-path-not-drop-for.html

Petition To The Rec And Park & City Of San Francisco On Behalf Of The Bison - Please Sign

So yea, I've had enough of the dried brown landscape at the Bison Paddock.  

In yet another attempt to help the Bison get some greenery to graze on, I have started a Petition directed at the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, Parks Manager Phil Ginsburg, and Park Commission President Mark Buell.  While this may not bring about the change it should, it is another forum to bring awareness to this negligence.

It is aimed at these entities as the Rec and Park is responsible for the enclosure, while the Zoo takes care of the Bison.  

Over the last fourteen years I've been involved with monitoring the Zoo, the Rec and Park has never taken their management position in regard to the Zoo seriously, they just don't care and nothing is more evident in their lack of caring for Animals than the complete negligence in their upkeep over the last many years of the Meadow  where our grazing herd of Bison live.

This blog post is an informational supplement to the Petition.  Please visit the Petition site to sign and share.  Thank you.

link updated 1.11.24 ... 

https://www.thepetitionsite.com/361/945/132/demand-san-francisco-rec-and-park-provide-bison-with-healthy-grazing-vegetation/

I have been complaining for at least the last couple years about the condition of the landscape of the meadows at the Bison Paddock in Golden Gate Park.  The vegetation in both the main and back meadow have been dried out and brown for most of the last many years.  The only exception was in 2020 when the Park was readying for their 150th Celebration, which was pretty much foiled with the pandemic.  The City added five babies to the herd in April of that year, and you can see from this photo, the landscape was lush and green at that time.

Additionally, the Rec and Park made a site dedicated to the 150th, with several pages regarding the Bison.   I've been looking a the live cam daily monitoring for sprinklers.  Haven't seen any.  Here's a couple screencaps from the cam this week. 

This is the top of the page on the Park's 150th site.  I think it's pretty hypocritical to use the word "beloved" when you are negligent in providing them with an appropriately maintained habitat.

Apparently, I am right and the lack of grazing vegetation is so serious the Keepers seem to be putting extra hay our for them in the meadow in addition to their regular sheltered feeding area.  ... They also are not "resting" on grass as there is none!

This aerial view also appears on that site.  They need to update that as this is no longer a "green space". ... You can also see their back meadow (left side of " green area") is completely brown, and in my memory, always has been.

I had never thought about how the meadow got hydrated, until it became consistently dried up.  I asked a Keeper two years ago if there was a sprinkler system, they said they had never seen one on.  A few months later, saw one on one day.  ONE DAY!  Now, only recently after I had written yet another post about this, did I see sprinklers again.  That to was only the one day, yet I saw one outside the paddock watering the same tree, two days that week.  

It's been two years now that I have written about this situation, posted videos I've taken to my YouTube, and Tweeted it all and my displeasure to the Rec and Park.  Nothing changed in all that time.  The landscape has remained consistently dry the whole time.   This year has been the worst, as our normal rain in April-May, never happened, so there has been near no hydration to the grounds at all.

Bison are grazing Animals.  Per a recent Oakland Zoo Facebook Live with their Bison Herd.  In it the Keeper noted, "They have over fifteen acres of habitat to naturally graze on.  So when you look out you'll see there's lot of grass out here and that's really important because they are natural grazers.  So, they'd spend about nine hrs of their day out in the wild foraging and grazing, so we wanted to replicate that here at the Oakland Zoo and that's why you see so much grass and so much land, cause they do actually need all that."

Yet this is what our poor ladies are grazing on... I took this video the other day.  Picked up the wind more than I realized, but you can see the one lady looking for something to graze on.  As well seems the Keepers are also leaving bowls of grain in the meadow to supplement their diet.

https://youtu.be/7eqy-a_ZuqQ

The San Francisco Recreation and Park is well aware of all this, and apparently they just don't care.  

If they did, the Bison Paddock would be lush and green like the rest of the Park, which they make sure is green at all times.  The other day I took this photo of Lindley Meadow just up the road from the Bison.  

As a Richmond District Native, and lifelong Resident, the Park has been my backyard for 58 years.   I have never not known Bison.  In the 80's I was lucky to meet many calves that were born at the Paddock.  The last ones.  So, I have been endeared to these Beings forever.   Seeing them in this situation is very upsetting.

Again, please consider signing and sharing my Petition.

Additionally you can contact the Rec and Park Commission

recpark.commission@sfgov.org

Thank you.

For more about this disgrace, you can search "bison" in the upper left corner of this blog.

Added:

I do want to reiterate that this is a supplemental vegetation issue, that is the responsibility of the SF Rec and Park.  The Rec and Park are required to maintain the enclosure, which means keeping the vegetation healthy.  The Rec and Park control the sprinkler system.  This is solely on them. ... The Bison are healthy and well taken care of by SFZoo Animal Care Staff.  They are fed daily and given extra food to compensate for what they are not getting from grazing.  They are not going hungry.  That said, they do need that green vegetation, not only for extra intake and but because grazing is part of their natural behavior.   It's what they do and that needs to be replicated in a captive environment.

Related posts and updates...

Mon 6.27.22

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2022/06/update-city-official-contacted-me.html

Wed 6.29.22

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2022/06/park-sprinklers-flood-path-not-drop-for.html

Thurs 6.30.22

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2022/06/rec-and-park-responds-puts.html?m=1

Sun 7.3.22

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2022/07/and-furthermore-another-reponse-from.html?m=1

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Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

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Celebrating Sukari At 20! - Happy Birthday Suki!

Continuing with the vibe of my last post, and writing a purely enjoyable post.  

My dear friend Suki (as I've affectionately called her from the start) turned Twenty years old on Thursday!  It was a long wait for the party, but so worth it to see this precious lady, enjoy special treats on her special day.   

Happy Birthday Sukari!

Thank you Kim

the eye contact ❤

Enjoy this video of her coming out and seeing all her Birthday treats.  

https://youtube.com/watch?v=o5v24x_Ivk8

After she was done with her cake,  she shared a moment with her son Jasiri, who was interested in this present of a flexible ball, which he carried around in his mouth for some time. Another present was a supersized compressed catnip ball. Will be curious to see how they like that.

Then she grabbed the Zebra toy off it's legs and walked off with it, taking it to the other side of the enclosure.

This was immediately familiar and afterward I remembered when we celebrated her eighth Birthday, her first at the Zoo, she walked off carrying the topper to her cake!

Ironically, this was also the only other one of her Birthday celebrations I've seen.  I go there on her Birthday and wish her a wonderful day, but never seen another party happen.

Sukari was super shy when she first got here, rarely showing herself while in the Lion House.  When inside during the day, she stayed tucked in a not visible area for over six months.  In 2010, a friend and I had been making enrichment toys for the Big Cats. Their Keeper would put hers at the opening of that area, and we'd wait.  For along time, the toy would just sit there, and she'd enjoy it at night.  Eventually, we started seeing just her arm, reaching out to grab it, and then pulling it into her nest.  Then came her Birthday.  

We planned a huge celebration for her first Birthday at the Zoo.  I called it Suki's Ice Cream Social, as I made huge three+ ft long ice cream cone toys for the Lions, and party bags for all the Cats.  My friend Lee made themed mache' balls and a four layer cake.  I woke up that morning after thinking late into the night about the celebration and how we were going to get Sukari to enjoy her own party.  I had an idea, and shared with the Keeper.  When Sukari was outside,  she would often hang out in the cave tunnel that led into the Lion House.  When the Keeper would open the doors to the cave Suki would be sitting there, but make a quick dash.  I suggested we put her cake in the doorway, so when the door opened she'd see it before dashing off and hopefully come back for it.  The idea worked exactly as I had imagined!  She ran, and then came back, grabbed the cake, and took it to the yard.  

I ran out quick so not to miss any part of her with her cake.  When I got out there Tunya had it and Suki was sitting near by staring at him.  I said, Suks go get your cake lady.  She eventually went over and did some flirting with Tunya, and settled in for a bit of scent enjoyment, then grabbed the top half and walked off with it! (pic shared above) It was awesome!  From that day on, Sukari was always out for toys.  I was so happy to be a part of helping her feel more comfortable in her new home.

So many wonderful memories with this lady. I thought I'd share a bit about this beautiful and great Lioness for those who haven't known her as long.  You'll also learn about our other wonderful Lions who have touched my heart over the last twenty-five years.

Sukari was born at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.  She was transferred from there to Idaho Falls Zoo, where she gave birth to two litters, one female cub each.  Her daughters were transferred to Omaha Zoo, where they made her a grandma.  She moved to San Francisco in November 2009, to be the companion of our Tunya.

Tunya came to the Zoo as a cub in 1997 with two females.  In 2003 Kita gave birth to Jahari and Kimani.  Sadly Kita and three cubs didn't make it, and Jahari and Kimani had to be hand raised.  Tunya and Amanzi continued to live together.  Tunya was very much in love with Amanzi but unfortunately they were separated and Jahari was paired with Amanzi.  This happened in order for the Zoo to keep Jahari, a choice in my opinion that showed no empathy for Tunya and Amanzi's bond.  It broke my heart as Tunya would for years look down the row of bedrooms in the Lion House and see his lady with Jahari.  He lived with Kimani, but would often cry out to Amanzi. That thankfully changed with the arrival of Sukari.  Upsetting to us all that he was alone for a month while she was in quarantine, as he went on a bit of a hunger strike while he waited to meet his new lady love.  We were all so happy when they were finally together.  She healed his sweet lovelorn soul.  They really loved each-other.  ... Here's a video I made of them, set to the tune Sugar, Sugar.  I gave them the couple name of Tunari.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vGf1mCF58Tw

They had just over two years together before Tunya passed away.  Keepers had been already introducing Sukari to Jahari, in hopes of breeding them. It would have been wonderful to see Tunya finally get to be a Dad, as any cubs would have been raised by him and Sukari.  Thankfully she and Jahari got along, and when the time came, Amanzi welcomed Sukari, and she became an integral part of them becoming a Pride.  It was beautiful to see Sukari so easily accepted by them.  Our Lions are the best!  Although the integration bittersweet, she had now met and was living with her half-sister.  I had an early interest in doing the family trees of as many Zoo friends as I could.  So when Sukari came here, I did her family line and discovered she and our Amanzi shared the same mother, Angie.  Amanzi (like Tunya and Kita) was born in a South Africa breeding center, taken from her mother too soon, and shipped to SFZoo as a cub.  Angie, who was wild born, was then shipped to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, where she had Sukari and many other babies.  Our Cat Keeper didn't even know the connection.  It made me happy to see these beautiful Sisters enjoying a life together.

More happy moments for Sukari, as she and Jahari became parents to Jasiri.  Her two daughters were taken from her and hand-raised.  I don't know the true details about that, because she was immediately a wonderful mother to her son.  It's been a joy to watch her get to finally be a Mama.

I am so glad Sukari came to live here.  Certain things have always made me think she didn't much like her previous home.  I know she has been happy here, and I've been lucky to know her all these years. 

So happy to have been able to celebrate this milestone with my cherished friend.  Thank you Suki, look forward to many more!

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Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

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SFZoo In The News - Tucker Fun and New Zoo Rescues

I had this at the end of my last post, but it didn't feel right there.  Still wanting to share this, I've also included some Zoo news, most probably know about.  It's good to write a completely favorable post.  It's been along time.

> Following Tucker In Cincinnati!

A fun offering for you all, who might not have seen this.  The other day Cincinnati Zoo Hippo Keeper Jenna was interviewed about our Tucker and the anticipated arrival of the babie he has fathered there.  

https://www.wlwt.com/article/cincinnati-zoo-fiona-bibi-tucker-pregnancy-baby-tickets/40311936

Also note you can now subscribe to their new Hippo Cam and watch Tucker and his family all day!   Visit the Cincinnati Zoo website for that.

> Zoo Gives Home To Parrots In Need

https://www.ktvu.com/news/san-francisco-zoo-takes-in-3-parrot-chicks-rescued-from-smugglers

I am always happy to hear when the Zoo takes in Wildlife in need of a home.  There are so many Animals that are sadly caught in situations where they can not be returned to their wild homes.  Homes are often hard to find, as space is limited and the amount of those in need seems to be endless.  So, kudos to the Zoo for this.  I hope they take advantage of the education aspect of this with signage in the Aviary.  Every bit of awareness to help deter horrific actions against Wildlife and all Animals is needed wherever it can be shared.

As I've stated in previous posts over the years, I am in favor of the Zoo using space to provide homes to rescuing Animals in need before acquiring those in the Zoo system.  I will be making note of that in one of my upcoming posts, regarding one of the many spaces that are currently under construction. This long standing draft went from one post, to two, and now might be three.  

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Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

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Updates ... Dead Fish, Bison, Rec and Parks Non-Response and Chimpanzee Memorial Wall

 > Dead Fish

A full week has gone by and not surprisingly, I never received a call back from the Rec and Park in regard to my inquiry about what they put in South Lake that killed all those poor Fish.  

Anxious to have a look at the water and check for removal, my first stop Monday morning was South Lake.  Thankfully all the bodies were gone, so they obviously responded to my request to take care of that.  The other thing to document is that the water was completely back to its normal green color.  It would seem, and I am not alone in this theory, that indeed there had to be some kind of chemical added to the lake water for me to witness the color change and death that I did.  I must have been there not long after the contamination, as less than three full days later, the water was back to normal.  I find it hard to believe that if there was a natural toxin such as algae (as the gardener said they might claim), that it would have dissipated.  It just doesn't seem logical, but if someone can educate me on this I welcome the knowledge.  I would have asked the Rec and Park, but again they didn't have the courtesy to respond.

I use the word courtesy, when of course there are other aversions people have to not entering into conversations. Either they have no logical response or because they do not have the ability mentally, vocabulary wise, or speaking wise to handle adult conversations when confronted with questions.  I use the word confronted in the same way I would use the word approach, not in a confrontational way but again, confronted with logical questions.  Then there is also that they take the position of, they just don't have too, which is not only rooted in feeling elite, but is just plain lame. 

I'm going to digress and give a couple of examples of that as they have popped into my mind right now, and are actually relevant to the mind-set of how Zoo positions of power work.

The first thing that comes to mind is one time in 2015 when I was crusading for our Chimpanzees.  I was at a Joint Zoo Meeting one of the months following the Meeting when Director Peterson was forced to give-up her plan to kick out our senior Chimps.  I was still on the situation as nothing for them had been done yet.  I stood up at the meeting to seek answers regarding what the time frame for starting work on their new home would be, as they had seemingly been back-burnered, while other project builds were in motion.  Director Peterson gave some answer that required further questioning.  She couldn't answer any of my questions and she just put her head down and ignored me.  I said, so you're not even going to look at me when I'm talking to you and asking you valid questions?  She didn't respond.  I said, well I'm just going to keep on talking then and I got my my words out (not that they made it into the Minutes) and as soon as I paused, the Rec and Park Commissioner said, okay we're done now, and off we go.  They were just humoring me, because they have to let the public speak.  Just like they humored the Keepers every time they approached with things that were concerns they had regarding Animal care.  Watching that exchange was disturbing.  The Committee panel basically endured having to listen to them.  In addition to witnessing literal eye rolling, not one panel member ever engaged the concerns, and one even scolded the Keepers saying this was not the forum to address these concerns.  Moving forward from that time frame which was also in 2015, the Meeting hours were changed to make it impossible for the Keepers to attend, and that was the last year I think the meetings were held at the Zoo, making it further impossible for Keepers to be heard.  

>Bison

I also went by the Bison Paddock Monday and Wednesday.  No sprinklers on, but there was a sprinkler outside the Paddock, watering the same one tree both days.  Just realized I can tune into the Bison Cam daily and keep track of just how often that timed sprinkler inside the Paddock is actually going off.

For those who don't know about the Bison Cam, you can check it out here.

https://www.goldengatepark150.com/bison

> Chimpanzee Memorial Wall

I recently posted about an idea for a permanent Memorial for our beloved passed Chimpanzees.  The notation included a photo of the idea I mocked-up.  Using the word Memorandum didn't sit well with me.  It's a sad word.  So now I've changed it.  Not that I think the Zoo will take my suggestion, as it would indicate, that they took my suggestion, but just in case, might as well put the better wording out there.

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Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

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Is The Rec And Park Using Toxic Chemicals In Park Lake? Tons Of Dead Fish Seen - Non-SFZoo Related

At this moment, I'm not even sure how to present this, but I feel I need to document what I witnessed, and the questions surrounding this issue.  So I'm going to just post all I know right now.  I'm posting to this blog as it my main forum, and I have posted regarding other Rec and Park issues here, most recently about the Bison Paddock.  Look to the end of this post for an update about the Bison Paddock sprinkler situation.

I visit both South Lake and Spreckles Lake at least once a week.  When I stopped at South Lake this past Friday,  I called to my Duck Friends to let them know I was there, as they come right over and like to have a chat with me. While waiting for them to paddle across the Lake to greet me, I noticed the Lake was a dark teal color.  This is not the first time.  I have seen this at least three times in recent months. The color looks like the disinfectant that is used in barbershop to sanitize combs.  That dark blue then mixed with green lake color.   It screams chemicals every time I see it.  When my Duck Friends arrived I bent down to greet their quacks, and saw a dead Fish.  

As I looked around the small area I was standing, there were nine dead Fish in an area six feet to either side of me.  This was different than the other times I had seen this color in the lake.  As someone who cares about all Animals, and who has an aquarium, seeing these poor souls belly-up is very upsetting.   

My thoughts immediately go to the chemicals the Rec and Park use to kill plants they don't want.   At this lake alone I have previously seen a sign on several occasions, in reference to pesticide use to rid the lake of the Parrot Feather plant, that they consider "invasive".   A few years ago I called the number on the sign and asked about the chemicals used and their effects on the Waterfowl and Aquatic Wildlife at the lake.  I was told it wasn't toxic to them.  

My thoughts also go to the killing of "invasive" Aquatic life in Mountain Lake Park, by the Presidio Trust in 2014.   I'm sorry, but I don't buy into murdering Animals because they are a nuisance.  Kill all the Animals and then it just takes one person to abandon another into the Lake and it starts over.  I find it barbaric. ... If you don't know the story here's a link to an article about them scooping up dead fish they proudly rid of Mountain Lake. 

https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Workers-pour-poison-into-Mountain-Lake-begin-5888355.php

So yea, I would not put it past the Rec and Park, who murders all the poor little Gopher Friends because they uproot the plants.  We have a ton of Hawks, Herons and Owls to keep the circle of life going without the Rec and Park pulling them from their underground homes and drowning them.  At one time, the Rec and Park used to relocate them to one controlled spot, but the guy who rallied for that passed away and with that the humane way to handle them died.   Apologies for digressing.

That all said, this water issue at South Lake looks like a chemical dump.   I documented it, as well made several calls trying to get hold of the department I talked to before, but with no success.   As I drove to Spreckles Lake, I saw a Park Gardener by the Bison.  I asked him the name of the department, and told him what I saw at South Lake.  I said that I thought it was due to chemical dump.  He just smiled, like I got it right but he couldn't confirm.  He then offered that they (the Rec and Park) will "say" it's algae, like they did at Spreckles.  This info infuriated me even more.  I was ready to write this post in a very angry rant that night.

I didn't get to it that night, and yesterday I remembered that I had seen and photo'd a sign posted at Spreckles a couple weeks ago.   Further thoughts raised more questions, so now I'm just putting those thoughts out there.

Several things to note about this.  

- I've never seen Spreckles Lake the color I've witnessed at South Lake.

- I've never seen Fish belly-up at Spreckles.

- There were Fish surfacing looking for food while I was there, so there is obviously a live population.

- I researched the bacteria mentioned on the sign, and the photos of this or any other algae related pollutants do not visually represent what I have seen at South Lake.

Now, if that is what the Rec and Park will claim, and I'm no professional, just documenting what I've witnessed, then Why has the Rec and Park not posted a warning sign there?

Additionally, the Rec and Park has known about the lead poison in the Palace of Fine Arts lagoon for over a year, and they have yet to post a warning sign about that.  The lead poisoning there caused the death of one of the Swans last year, and the one who survived treatment was selfishly put back out there, and now recent tests have shown she has  been reinfected.

So, in my opinion, the Rec and Park are negligent and selective with public service announcements in regard to contaminants, both natural occurring and at their own hands.

I worry for all the Wildlife living in and on these contaminated waters.   I also worry for people who don't know, who allow their Dogs to come in contact with these waters.   

What is going on with the water at South Lake, seems obvious to me, but again I'm have no confirmation on that.  Regardless, something is happening.  Whether that is natural occurrence or human inflicted, I don't know for sure, but I aim to find out.  One thing is for sure, the Rec and Park needs to stop using toxic chemicals in our Lakes.  There are too many instances for Animals both Wild and Domestic to come in contact with these toxins.  At South Lake in particular, they have been trying to rid that Parrot Feather plant for years.  Concede people, its not going anywhere.  Just go there and cut it down regularly.  Good grief its not brain surgery.  You don't always have to run and grab poison.

I left a message for Rec and Park, but have not heard back yet. I will update when I have new information.  If anyone knows about this issue, please leave a comment. 

Ok so for the Bison Paddock update.  My previous post noted once again the dried landscape issue.  An issue because Bison are grazers.   Well, I posted last week that I saw the Bison back in the main meadow and grazing on the one decent patch of greenery.    Friday, what do I see?  

I see five sprinklers on in the back meadow!   I have never even seen those sprinklers before.  Curious though none in the front.  Anyway, I don't believe in coincidence. ... I asked the Gardener I stopped about the dead Fish tragedy, about the state of the meadow over the past few years.

- He said, the sprinklers were broken for some time. ... 

( In my opinion, two things about that.  I've seen sprinklers only one time, if ever.  Were they broken for years? )

- He said, they are on timers.  I asked if those were daily timers?  Noting that I wanted to come check on them regularly so would like to know when they go on.  He didn't know, but said not daily.  

-He noted the water restriction.  I pointed across to the lush green lawn by the Blossom Trees.  He laughed and said, yea that's a different section.   Basically noting that section gets delegated more water than the section the Bison Paddock is in.  ... Note that this dry meadow has been an issue for years, long before water restrictions.

SO, that proves my theory that the Rec and Park prioritizes their recreational and ornamental areas, and does not give a crap that the area where grazing Animals live, is flush with lush green landscape for them to GRAZE on!   It's Cruel.

 

  

A Few For The This And That File - Bison, Memorials, And That Dang Fence

I know, I know, where are those four posts in draft?  Believe me, they are coming soon!   I think about it everyday, and literally try to finish them every weekend.  Two subjects, both with two parts.  On my visit this past Tuesday, I saw a few things I need to add to the first pair, which may or may not now turn it into a three parter.

I also want to Thank those who take the time to comment on this blog.  I appreciate your effort and interaction.  I apologize that I rarely get to replying to comments.  I have the intention, it just never seems to happen, at least not in any timely manner.   Thank you, and please don't let my lack of response energy keep you from being a voice.

When I drove home yesterday, I witnessed a good grief chuckle as I drove by the Bison Paddock in the park.  Since I had a couple other small items, I figured I'd take this space to update on the Bison and post the others.

For those of you who regularly read this blog, you know I have taken issue with the state of the Bison meadow.  From information I've gotten through the years, it is allegedly the responsibility of the Rec and Park to maintain the grounds, so I take aim at them in regard to there continuously being little to no green landscape for these grazing Animals to graze on.  Most recently in my last post on May 30th...

Noting here that I did recently hear that years ago, the was a Keeper to-do list out there that noted to turn on sprinklers.  One Keeper in recent years told me they had never even seen sprinklers in the meadow,  but then I saw them on once months later, during the parks anniversary.  That was the only time and it was two years ago.  So, not sure what the deal is.   

This was the sight late yesterday afternoon, as I spied the Bison back in the main meadow for the first time in months.  

So yeah, the good grief chuckle is the coincidence of my issue, in relation to the herd's composition.  All eight Bison are literally grazing on the only primarily GREEN patch of landscape in the meadow.  ... Case and point.  

The other day I also saw fresh flowers in the bucket at Cobby Chimpanzee's memorial for the first time in months.  I look at this every visit.  When I pass the homes of Zoo Friends lost, I always greet their spirits and tell them I miss them.   At Chimps I also talk to Jamie, who left us after Cobby.  Her memorial was taken down months ago, which really bothers me.  I understand that Cobby lived here over fifty years, versus her two, but still, I think every Friend deserves equal recognition, as well as tribute.  

I'd like to see a permanent tribute to all three of our passed Chimpanzees.  There have been more, but our well known and longest lasting group is the four that lived in Triple Grotto for almost fifty years.

Everyone knows I love Cobs, so this is not a slight to his memorial.   Prior to the recent addition of fresh flowers, this memorial has been up a year now, and is looking extremely worn.  I understand not wanting to part with it, but it needs to be retired.   What doesn't need to be retired is a memorial to the three we've lost.  

There is a blank wall in the Dayroom that could be used in for an In Memorandum display. Our Tallulah who sadly passed before getting to share the experience of the new areas with her family, should not be forgotten.  Tallulah, Cobby and Jamie could all have a photo with life dates, and short bio, in the style of the memorial signs.  ... The Zoo needs to make this happen.  

Lastly, and I've mentioned this before, and nothing has changed.  This is the portion of the perimeter fence that is closest to the entrance.

There were banners there with Animal faces, that were removed for whatever reason.  

This irritates me.  The reason it irritates me is that it sums up the laziness that I've noted goes on at the Zoo.  Why couldn't these banners be removed in full?  Why does it look like they were ripped down and whatever didn't come down was just left?  Oh yeah, because that's exactly what appears to have happened.  Come on, have some pride in the place.  Does Zoo Director Tanya Peterson ever walk outside the parking lot on the days she manages to actually go into work?  The whole fence up to the old entrance looks like crap, do we have to have the one small part that is decent look trashed?  

It just shows a lack of care and that is shameful.  

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